Yidarra Catholic Primary School

Newsletter: Term 3, Week 2 Monday, 23 July 2018

Back to School Blessing

Dear Heavenly Father,

For all the children and families returning to school,

send your Holy Spirit as their guide and protector.

Keep them free from danger and unnecessary harm.

Put each of us in the right place, at the right time, to receive your grace.

Let each of us grow strong. May the presence of your Spirit fill each of our hearts.

Help us to mature as parents and caregivers.

Bless every family, O Lord.

We entrust our children to you, dear God.

Since from the beginning, they are yours to keep.

In the name of the greatest Son of all, Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Principal’s News

Welcome back to school and to Term Three

A special welcome to our new students and their families who joined us for the start of this term. Hopefully

everyone had an enjoyable holiday break and the children and staff are well rested and ready for a very busy

term ahead. Included in this newsletter, is a term planner which has all the events we know of to date.

As we begin a new semester, I encourage all students to continue to work hard over the term, consistently

applying themselves to their studies and taking pride in ‘their school’ and their endeavours. I believe that

education is a partnership and effective communication is important.

Research shows, that when schools and parents work closely together children are more likely to be

successful. It is important that teachers and parents continue to work together to ensure the best outcomes

for the students at our school.

National School Improvement Surveys

This term Yidarra Catholic Primary School will be conducting its annual School improvement surveys. The

process this year will differ from previous years as Catholic Education WA has contracted a different company

to survey our school. They are called National School Improvement Partnerships.

The online survey will involve all parents, staff and our students in Years 1 – 6. Staff from National School

Improvement Partnerships will conduct the student surveys this week. Parents will be sent out more

information regarding when and how to complete the surveys in the week commencing Monday, 30 July.

Completion of the survey is voluntary. I encourage you to complete the survey, as it is an opportunity for

parents to tell the school staff how things are going for you and your children. The school values your feedback

and will try to respond to the information that you provide. All answers on the survey are confidential and will

go directly to the National School Improvement Partnerships, where the results will be analysed for our school.

Answers from individual surveys will not be reported back to the school.

National School Improvement Partnerships will report the results to the school in an aggregated format in

graphs so that individuals cannot be identified. Your participation in this feedback process would be much

appreciated.

First Reconciliation Preparation

On Wednesday our Year 3 students will be travelling to the Schoenstatt Centre for their First Reconciliation

Retreat. We wish our students a productive and informative day.

Principal’s News

In Our Prayers

We were saddened to hear that Mrs Emily Wayne’s father passed away during the school holidays. As parents

would be aware, Mrs Wayne is the Year 1 teacher.

We keep Emily and her family in our thoughts and prayers. May he Rest in Peace.

Assembly

Please note that there will be no assembly this Friday morning.

Thought for the Week

What we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God. Eleanor Powell

Kind regards,

Carmel Costin Principal

School News

School News

The Bishops’ Religious Literacy Assessment

Over the next few weeks, students in Years 3 and 5 will take part in The Bishops’ Religious Literacy

Assessment (BRLA). This is a standardized assessment that has been developed to measure student

learning of the content taught in the Religious Education curriculum. The BRLA provides a ‘point in time’

snapshot of student knowledge and understanding of content taught in Religious Education lessons using a

combination of multiple choice, short and extended response items. Students’ faith is not assessed. The use

of the BRLA complements the school-based assessment programs in Religious Education.

Yidarra will be participating in both an Equating Assessment as well as the actual BRLA. Dates for the

assessments are:

Equating Assessment:

Year 5: Wednesday, 25 July

Year 3G: Thursday, 26 July

Year 3B: Friday, 27 July

BRLA:

Year 5: Wednesday, 8 August

Year 3: Thursday, 16 August

Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated this term on Saturday, 18 August at 4:00pm

and Sunday, 19 August at 11:00am. There will be a Parent Input and Information meeting for

this Sacrament held on Tuesday, 31 July commencing at 6:30pm.

All students receiving this Sacrament must attend this meeting with one or both of their parents. The

Commitment Masses for this Sacrament will be held over the weekend of Saturday, 4 and Sunday, 5 August.

The Year 6 students will also be attending a retreat on Thursday, 16 August.

Year 3 Reconciliation Retreat

The children in Year 3 will travel to the Schoenstatt Shrine in Armadale on Wednesday, 25 July

for a Reconciliation retreat. Here, Sister Lisette will speak to the children about the importance

of turning back to God and reconciling with our sins.

It is a timely reminder for us all to think about how to turn back to God and even perhaps attending

Reconciliation at our Parish. Times for Reconciliation are on Saturdays from 11:00am-12:00pm and 5:00pm-

6:00pm.

School News

Term Fundraising

This term, we will be raising money to support MercyWorks. MercyWorks promotes social

justice through local and overseas relief and development programs and in partnership with

communities, works to assist people and communities with education, self-reliance, health-

care and social welfare. The MercyWorks programs strongly endorse the principles of

freedom, mutual respect, environmental sustainability and participation and protection of

the rights and responsibilities of all. Later in the term, we will be holding a ‘Mission Market’ for students to

participate in.

Expression of Interest – Yidarr a Playgroup

School News

School Banking

If you would like to open a new account see the Banking coordinators Karen or Nancy in the undercover area

every Tuesday from 8.15am.

Scholastic Book Club

Issue 5 catalogues have been sent home. Spare copies are located in the office if you need one. Orders

close Tuesday, 31 July. Loop orders are the preferred method, no paperwork required.

Lost & Found

Lost – Rainbow bracelet with a cat wearing DJ headphones, if found forward to the office

Found – Leappad game

Catholic Resource Links

What do Popes, Bishops and Saints have to say about the Rosary?

A two-minute video of inspiring Rosary quotes. Guaranteed to make you want to reach for your beads!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=20&v=tstJZyHRY3o

Special bonus for those who haven’t said one for a while: click on the link below for free printable “how to

pray the Rosary pamphlets” http://sicutincaelo.org/b_rp.html

Compiled by Will Schaefer, St Thomas More Parish Pastoral Councillor

School News

Entertainment Book News

Community News

Community News

Mercedes College Presents – The Addams Family

Last chance to get your tickets to this hilarious musical comedy production of The Addams Family. Suitable

for upper primary, teenagers and adults. Featuring a cast of over 70, this musical comedy is proudly presented

by the students of Mercedes College. Coming to the Regal Theatre in Subiaco for 4 performances only, from

Friday, 27July. Tickets are available at http://www.ticketek.com.au.